- Thank you! - said kissing Alec's cheek.
- I think I deserve more than that. - he said holding my wrist and pulling me towards his body.
I could hardly react when Alec's lips got hold of mine, in a voracious and urgent kiss. Like last time, my mind suffered a blackout and all I could do was enjoy the feeling that that kiss gave my body.
- I hate you! - I said as soon as he let me go.
The words came out in a way that even I didn't believe. Alec laughed at my expression.
- Liar! - he whispered before he walked out. - Be ready as soon as possible and hurry your maid.
I shook my head from side to side. I touched my lips at the same time, watching Alec walk to the stable. It was getting harder and harder to resist his onslaughts and I didn't even know if I wanted to fight him anymore. Sighing, I climbed the steps every other day and went after Olivia.
- It will be a long journey! - I whispered before I entered the room.
Chapter 19
Alec
A few weeks later...
- What a beautiful place!
Olivia's soft voice echoed lively, as soon as we reached the end of the trail and reached the open field. Now, only a few miles separated us from the road to Dunhill. She was right to say that, because it was a really beautiful place. I believe that for a girl who had never left her village, that place was synonymous with paradise.
- You're right! You're right! - said smiling. - It's really beautiful here. One of the few plains in the middle of the Highlands.
- I've lived a long time on the Highland border, but I've never been through this place.
It was Aila's turn to comment. She still did not feel comfortable when I called her by her baptismal name and always picked her up with a face. Our stay in the inns and camps throughout the trip helped to improve our relationship. Even with Olivia around, which I thought was a reason to disturb our coexistence, after all, the girl had tried to kill me, it was not an obstacle for us to start getting along well. In fact, I was really enjoying her company, which was very helpful and a great cook. She reminded me a lot of my sister. She worked very hard to win my trust. Although I still didn't have total confidence in Olivia, I had to accept the way she did to be grateful and loyal to us for saving her life. Last night, while we were camping in a clearing, she had sneaked in and sat next to me. I watched Aila while she took care of the horses. It was an unexpected conversation, but very pleasant.
- You like her. - Olivia had said. - I can see the way you watch her. I think she feels the same way about you.
I frowned on my forehead, turning my gaze to face it. Olivia blushed on account of my expression. I didn't mean to scare her, but I ended up doing it.
- I'm so sorry! - she said. - I'm used to talking too much and you're a prince. I should not give my word to you unless it has been requested.
Olivia mentioned getting up, but I stopped her.
- Don't go. - I said. - I didn't mean to sound rude. I appreciate the people who are sincere. As long as you don't insult me or fail me with respect, your opinion is very welcome.
- Thank you, Your Highness!
- Please call me Alec! I hate those formalities and we're not in the castle.
Olivia smiled, settled down and sat next to me. She remained silent and it bothered me, because I realized that I wanted to say something, but I didn't know where to start.
- Say what you're thinking and let me evaluate your words.
- I really wanted to apologize for what happened at the tavern. - she said sighing with regret. - I've asked the princess for forgiveness, but I think the biggest loser was you.
- Olivia, there's only one person I hold a grudge against and that's not you. - he said. - I've never been fooled by a woman before and I must confess that you surprised me.
- Really? I didn't want to do that and I swear I tried to avoid it, but there were many of them and I have no knowledge of battle.
- Correction... - said raising his index finger. - I didn't.
She looked at me in amazement and then smiled.
- Yeah, I didn't.
Aila was teaching Olivia how to use the bow and she was very good. He looked like a natural.
- You know, Bree told me what had happened. I know what it's like to be desperate and confused. - he said shaking his head. - With so much that you don't try to kill me or drug me again, you're forgiven.
Olivia had a laugh.
- You have my word! - she said raising her hand. - And my gratitude for your help.
I took a deep breath. We were silent and I was watching Aila. She seemed to talk to the animals while brushing them.
- How long have you been getting married? - Olivia asked.
- Yeah, but there's a lot we haven't known. - he said shaking his head.
- That explains the glow in her eyes every time she looks at you. - Olivia smiled, but soon her smile died. - Please don't tell her I told you, even
